delist Nigeria from high burden countries
As the world marks World Tuberculosis Day 2023 today, March 24, the Nigerian Thoracic Society has called on the government to do more to tackle Tuberculosis so that the country is removed from the group of high-burden countries.
In a statement, to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2023 which is celebrated every March 24, the President of the Nigerian Thoracic Society, Prof. Udegbunam Ele, said that despite the economic reality in the country, the message remains a message of hope “Yes. ! We can end it TB “!.
He further said: “We want to thank the Nigerian government through the National TB program, local organizations as well as international agencies who have worked hard to create awareness, identify and treat the most dangerous and treatable condition.”
Ele appreciated the efforts made by the government and various donor agencies to control and eradicate the outbreak.
“Every year, the Nigerian Thoracic Society joins other local and international organizations to commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24. This date is the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch, a German physician and microbiologist, announced that he had discovered the organism which causes TB.
“This discovery paves the way for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Today is set aside to increase public awareness of the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to promote efforts to end the global TB epidemic.
“TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious killer after COVID-19. Globally, about 1.6 million people will die from TB alone by the end of 2021. Eight countries account for more than two-thirds of global deaths, namely India, Indonesia, China , Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Democratic Republic of Congo. .
“Every year more than 240,000 people die from TB and almost 600,000 people fall ill from preventable and curable diseases in our country. Global efforts to fight TB have saved 66 million lives worldwide since 2000 and many of them are Nigerians! This is a compelling reason why Nigeria should be at the forefront of global efforts to eradicate the disease.
“The theme of World TB Day 2023, “Yes! We can stop TB” is designed to motivate stakeholders at all levels to show high-level leadership, increase investment, accept new WHO recommendations, adopt innovations and engage in multi-sectoral collaboration to fight the TB epidemic.
“This year’s event will focus on encouraging countries, including Nigeria, to intensify their efforts in the TB control program as a prelude to the 2023 United Nations High Level meeting which promises to provide an opportunity to secure political commitment from world leaders. There is no doubt that many countries are struggling with several competing demands on lean and diminishing resources, especially in low and middle income countries which unfortunately bear a greater disease burden. The theme for this year is intended to inspire and encourage more action.